Purpose

To agree buyback of ex-LA property; demolition
of properties to enable redevelopment, and associated budgets and
delegations to enter into contracts.

Content

The Executive RESOLVED
that:
 

     
i.         
the buyback of one leasehold maisonette on best
terms, legally required and reasonably obtainable and the use of
the buyback reserve for this, together with any related
professional costs and Stamp Duty Land Tax be
approved

 

    
ii.         
the demolition of existing properties in advance
of submission of a full planning application, to mitigate the risk
associated with properties with significant movement due to
subsidence be approved.

 

  
iii.          
delegated authority be given to the Executive
Head of Housing in consultation with Executive Head of Finance
(S151 Officer) to approve the final terms of the
purchase.

 

  
iv.         
delegated authority be given to the Executive
Head of Legal and Democratic Services to approve the final form of
any legal agreements relating to purchase.

 

    
v.         
a £100k budget be allocated from reserves
to commission consultant services and demolition contractor to
demolish the existing properties and associated works. This budget
allocation to be included within the financial viability appraisal
that will accompany the business case for the new build scheme when
it is bought forward later in the year.

 

  
vi.         
delegated authority be given to the Strategic
Director (Place) to enter into any related contractual
documentation relating to this demolition stage of this
project.

 

 vii.         
delegated authority be given to the Strategic
Director (Place) to enter into any ancillary agreements related to
the project provided
that these are within the allocated budget.
 
Reason for the
decision:
 
1.       The
homes on this site are not habitable and need to be demolished as
they have been deemed dangerous structures under the Building Act
1984. Subject to the buyback of one leasehold maisonette, all the
existing properties can be demolished, mitigating the risk of
further movement and potential collapse.
 
2.       The
Waverley Corporate Strategy 2020-2025 sets out the Vision and
Strategic Priorities for the Council. One of the strategic
priorities is to ‘provide good quality housing for all income
levels.’
 
3.      
Build More, Build Better, Build for Life Affordable Homes Delivery
Strategy 2022 – 2025 sets out the Council’s commitment
to build homes to buy or rent for households from all income
levels. The strategy has been supported by evidence studies
including the Waverley Housing Affordability Study 2021.
 
4.      
Demolition of the existing homes will leave a clear site to
facilitate the delivery of new affordable and sustainable homes at
Downhurst Road, Ewhurst.
 

[Overview and Scrutiny Committee –
Resources]